Sandy still affecting wastewater treatment in NJ

NEWARK (AP) — New Jersey’s largest wastewater treatment plant is still feeling the effects of Superstorm Sandy.

The plant in Newark operated by the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission serves 48 towns in northern New Jersey and has been pumping hundreds of millions of gallons of partially treated wastewater into waterways while repairs proceed.

New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection asked residents and businesses last week to reduce water usage.

Meanwhile, the Middlesex County Utilities Authority says its temporary bypass pumping system is ensuring that 90 to 95 percent of wastewater is fully treated before being released into the Raritan River. At one point after the storm the utility was releasing 65 million gallons per day of untreated wastewater into the river.